Randy Douthit is a professor of media and telecommunications at Ball State University. He discusses the use of telecommunication in today’s society, primarily focusing on TV and the Internet.
Overall, Douthit argues that monitoring social media is an unavoidable part of life today, which can be both positive and negative for our society. He believes these new technologies hold some serious responsibilities for us and benefits. Speaking on the pros and cons of social media, Douthit relates to his audience by connecting this topic with his own experiences. Douthit is a father of three children and offers specific examples familiar to most parents. He talks about the challenges that arise with his children using YouTube, Facebook, and other social media sites.
As a professor of media and telecommunications at Ball State University, Randy Douthit understands these issues from an educational viewpoint. He describes how doctors, teachers, and law enforcement personnel also struggle to monitor what their students or pupils see and what they post online.
Randy Douthit discusses how movies can also be used in connection with today’s technology. When referring to a movie called Mayday, Air Crash Investigation, Douthit explains how a CVR device was used to monitor what happened in a crash. He includes this example to show how “new information and entertainment” can be beneficial, but at the same time, it is important to take precautions.
Douthit’s primary argument is that social media usage has allowed us to contact our peers and people we care about constantly. One of the main challenges in today’s society is knowing who to trust. He believes technology has enabled us to get multiple opinions on different topics through user feedback. Douthit also discusses how technology has changed the way we learn and how we can use this to our advantage. He references how teachers who provide feedback in a group environment are more creative in encouraging students to learn.
He states that it is inevitable for us to be monitored because of the growth of social media and new technology. As a result, teachers, parents, and doctors need to become inventive in getting their messages across while dealing with these current issues.